Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
All of us have many activities that fill our days, but there are specific things we do that are markers of who we are. We care for our children, living out the role of parents. We go to work, living out the role of employees. When we think of the actions of God that display who He is, many things may come to mind: how He loves people, how He saves us from sin, and how He heals sickness. When we see God at work in these areas, we learn more about who He is. In this passage, we are reminded that God also has a heart for orphans and widows in distress. God not only loves them, but He calls us to love them as well. Living out our faith involves more than going to church, attending a small group, and serving where we are comfortable; it often involves going to places we might not typically go, loving those who are on the fringes of society, and caring for others in their times of weakness and need.
God not only sees the oppressed, but He also calls us to seek them out and love them the way He loves us. He came to us in our mess. He cares for us out of His abundant love. It is easy to see the brokenness around us and resolve that it is not our problem. But when we follow Jesus, loving others where they are becomes our responsibility and an opportunity to display God’s heart for His people.
- Who are the needy around you? How difficult or easy do you find it to care for these people?
- Where can you go to interact with and care for those in distress in your area?
- Pray and ask God to equip you to share His heart for loving the oppressed.
